Breast reduction. Is it normal to fear the anesthetic?

Thank you for your question. Fear of anesthesia is quite common.  It is a very safe approach to surgery with very careful protocols and safety checks.  The best way to allay your concerns is to continue to ask questions of your surgeon and anesthesiologist.  Best wishes on your recovery.

Many, many people fear that they may not wake up after anesthesia, but it is actually much more safe than people realize. As long as your cardiologist has cleared you for surgery then you should not be worried. There are plenty of monitors being closely watched by the anesthesiologist during surgery to ensure your safety.

Your fears are expressed by many plastic surgery patients, even if they don't have any prior cardiac conditions.  Preop screening includes labs, EKG (if recommended by your Cardiologist) as well as his notes.  The Anesthesiologist will have the opportunity to review these before your surgery.  Some of the questions, which my patients have asked include: 1. Anesthesiologist's education & familiarity with this procedure; 2. Use of other intra-op monitors, such as the BIS (brain wave monitor), which is being increasingly used to ensure that the patient does not have intra-op recall and has rapid emergence from anesthesia, once the procedure is concluded; 3. Contingency plans if hemodynamics become problematic. Breast reduction is invariably scheduled as an outpatient procedure.  All appropriate drugs are present and it is unheard of to require a blood transfusion. 4. Choice of endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask.  This is ultimately the anesthesiologist's choice, however (s)/he will probably ask you about any loose teeth, crowns, etc. 5. Volunteer any prior history of unfavorable anesthesia both in yourself as well as your family.  Remember nothing is trivial. 6. Review risk factors for post-op nausea and vomiting, such as prior episodes, motion sickness, being on your period.  Ask about techniques to reduce or combat this.  Have courage, you will soon feel unencumbered! 

It  is completely normal for you to be nervous about the anesthesia.  None of us likes that loss of control!  However, the advantage of a general anesthetic with anesthesia personnel present is that you are hooked up to numerous monitors wear all your vital signs can be watched closely by the anesthesiologist and your surgeon can focus on your surgery.  Discuss with your anesthesia team where your heart rate and blood pressure normally run.  They can let you know if they have any concerns.  Typically you are the kind of patient we love, some one healthy whose numbers run low.  Someone with high blood pressure and a high resting heart rate is much more difficult to deal with.  Hope this helps!

Fear of an anesthetic is a normal response in most patients but you are safer having an anesthetic in California then you are driving your car

Dr. Corbin

Thank you for your question. You are certainly not alone. Anesthesia is a cause for anxiety in many patients. While it is true that there are risks associated with anesthetics, they are rare. It is good and proactive of you to have your cardiologist communicating with your surgical team. When all your care providers know the ins and outs of your history, it makes it much easier to provide you with the best care possible. Try not to let your nerves get the better of you. The day of surgery you'll get a chance to talk with your anesthesiologist. You can review your history together and go over the plan she has for you. Ask whatever questions you like at that time so you are comfortable. Best wishes for your procedure.

As long as you have a certified anesthesiologist supervising your surgery you have a low risk of complications. Sounds like you have been cleared by your cardiologist which is good. Ask the anesthesia personel to expain all the safety features used in modern anesthesia care. good luck.

Yes, your thoughts are normal and many patients tell us the same thing. But put it in perspective, you are 50 times more likely to die on your next trip in a car to the store than you are in the operating room with a board certified anesthesiologist taking care of you.